Codexis and Merck Develop Prototype Enzyme-Based Method for Production of Boceprevir

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 3, 2012 - Codexis,
Inc. (Nasdaq:CDXS) announced today that collaborative research
conducted by Merck and Codexis scientists to develop a highly
efficient, enzyme-based production method for a key intermediate in
the production of boceprevir has been recently published in the
Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS). Boceprevir
is the active ingredient in Merck's VICTRELIS™ (boceprevir)
capsules.

The JACS publication describes the creation and characterization
of a custom enzyme or biocatalyst that was capable of performing a
key step in the synthesis of boceprevir. The new method increased
chemical intermediate yield 150 percent over the previous process,
and reduced raw material use by 60 percent, water use by 61 percent
and overall process waste by 63 percent. Codexis used its
proprietary CodeEvolver™ directed evolution technology to
develop a custom enzyme that can be used in the commercial scale
manufacturing of the boceprevir intermediate.

"Incorporation of innovative environmentally sustainable means
of manufacture is a key aspect of our research and development
strategy," said Richard Tillyer, Ph.D., senior vice president
Discovery and Preclinical Sciences, Merck Research Laboratories.
"Enzymatic based methods can offer a biodegradable and renewable
alternative to currently employed methods."

Codexis, Inc. is a developer of industrial enzymes to enable the
production of biofuels, biobased chemicals and pharmaceutical
intermediates. Codexis' product lines include CodeXyme™
Cellulase Enzymes and CodeXol™ Detergent Alcohol. Partners
and customers include global leaders such as Shell, Merck and
Pfizer. For more information, see
www.codexis.com.